German minister pushes new strategy to safeguard eleven refinery sites

Federal Economy Minister Katherina Reiche outlined a government initiative to develop a comprehensive refinery strategy, aiming to keep Germany’s eleven refining locations operational. She highlighted that European refinery numbers have fallen sharply since 2009, leading to greater reliance on imports, exemplified by the loss of Gulf deliveries that cut Europe’s diesel and kerosene supply by a quarter. The first draft of the strategy’s recommendations is expected in the first quarter of 2027 after consultations with industry leaders.

Reiche also voiced opposition to the EU Commission’s proposed methane emission limits for the oil and gas sector, arguing they could undermine the refineries’ competitiveness. Trade union leader Michael Vassiliadis and industry head Christian Küchen echoed the call for measures to protect the sector from economic strain and potential relocation abroad.